Canadian women's soccer team book 1st trip to Olympic semis

Goals from Filigno, Sinclair cement 2-0 win over Great Britain

Posted:
Aug 3, 2012 9:07 AM ET

Last Updated:
Aug 3, 2012 8:43 PM ET

Two early goals propelled the Canadian women's soccer team past the host Great Britain squad and into the semifinals at the London Games on Friday at Coventry Stadium.

Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair scored in the first half to lead the Canadians to a 2-0 quarter-final victory and into a semifinal date with the top-seeded Americans on Monday.

It was as an all-around better start to the match for the Canadians than they had in their previous game against Sweden, when they trailed 2-0 after just 16 minutes of play.

Canadian forward Filigno gave her squad an early lead they never relinquished, connecting on a corner kick from Sophie Schmidt for the 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.

Sinclair struck in the 26th minute, bending a beautiful free kick from the top of the penalty area to double the Canadian lead.

Canada held off the British attack in the second half to book their spot in the semi.

United States 2, New Zealand 0

The U.S. women's soccer team advanced by virtue of a 2-0 win over New Zealand.

Abby Wambach scored in the 27th minute at St. James' Park. She's scored in all four games for the U.S. to increase her career total to 142.

France 2, Sweden 1

France topped Sweden 2-1 in Glasgow, Scotland thanks to goals from defenders Laura Georges and Wendie Renard. The players scored after Sweden captain Nilla Fischer had put her team in the lead in the 17th minute.

Japan 2, Brazil 0

Yuki Ogimi scored a goal and then set up another to give world champion Japan a 2-0 victory over Brazil.